High Design at the Five
Probably not a great choice of a hotel with your mother, but we both loved it. Being new its still sleek, shiny, so clean and modern. A standard room on the 4th floor (yes there’s a lift) was small, the bathroom even smaller and not a lot of shelf space; the room would be fine for 2-3 days but could get a little annoying any longer. We loved the fibre optic lighting throughout the bed was pure comfort. The colour schemes can only make you feel well, hip and happy.
Each room has been individually designed by an artist; being Australian, I admired the strong presence of aboriginal art. I wanted to spend time exploring other people’s room but of course no luck there! Room 603 looked extremely exciting with the bed suspended from the ceiling and views across the quartier
The flat screen plasma TV and funky lighting allowed that real novelty effect you don’t get with a lot of standard hotels. There’s Wi-Fi and the staff were ever so helpful trying to locate the hotel’s laptop so I could check my emails but to no avail. Breakfast was delivered to our room but I suggest making your way to the groovy breakfast 'cave' with its designer ceremic plates and bowls.
This hotel is great for young people; it is however a good 30 minute walk to the action in St. German des Prés. In the evening, there’s quite a selection of quaint restaurants in the rue Mouffetard, a five minute walk away, where there’s always lots of activity and a wonderful fresh food market on Saturdays.
I would certainly recommend this hotel for those who appreciate design and art. I’ll be back but maybe without my mum. Expect to pay 180+ for a double, less for singles.
The Five Hotel, 3 rue Flatters, t: 33 (0)1 4331 74 21
www.thefivehotel.com
Prefer to shop under €180
Intimate at the Chat Noir
— Hotel: Excellent early reviews. Its a simple, modern and clean design hotel. Websites is still in development but you can read reviews at Tripadvisor. Lots of strong, bold colours: Black, red, green and lots of pics of Le Chat. Great breakfast room, rooftop views of Paris. No minibar
Rooms: Simple white wash walls, white linen, small elegant modern bathroom, flat screen TV, rooftop, air-con, wifi, laundry, life, telephone and parking. Room service 8am to 10am only.
Area: Few steps away from the Moulin Rouge, see our SEE & DO for Montmartre, lots of cafes. This hotels is in the same street as a lot of sex shops and strip joints but its not that seedy, promise!
68, Boulevard Clichy, t: 33 1 42 64 15 26?
Hotel Mayet
— The hotel: Bright, cheery, lots of colour and places to 'lounge'. Walls are adorned with vibrant art pieces. Its stylishly 'young'.
Rooms: The ‘bonne chambre’ meaning the attic where the maids once slept have been wonderfully renovated. Once, these rooms for rent were only for students or study rooms for Parisian teenagers. The Hotel Mayet has done a fine job converting their rooms with a little colour and cheer. A short distance to the ‘Invalides’. At €120 for a double, you can’t complain about the lack of space too much!
Closed between 27 July and 27 August and 21 - 28 December. Even Parisian likes their Summer hols.
3 rue Mayet 75006 t: 01 47 83 21 35
The Hotel Saint Germain
— The Hotel: Firstly, there are numerous with the same name but not the same standard. A former townhouse with a comfortable reception area but not one for lingering. Well located to cafes, bistros and wonderful shopping in St-Germain.
Rooms: Very homey ‘I’m staying in someone’s house’ type of charm. Choose between a bathtub or shower, all have a desk for your computer, smallish but modern bathrooms. If you need a laptop one can be provided. Wifi throughout the hotel. Romantic floral fabrics adorn. Rooms are sound-proofed and air conditioned.
Area: Rue du Bac is a wonderful street for window shopping and close by to numerous art and antique galleries and shops. You can walk to most museums (Louvre and the Museum d'Orsay), this is truly the heart of Paris.
88 rue du Bac 75007
Who says you cannot have luxury on a budget!
— The Hotel: Verneuil lies in the heart of Saint Germain-des-Prés and the wonderful rue du Bac. A pretty breakfast room and comfortable reception area. The charm of this 17th building continues inside. All around are the antique shops and luxury boutique stores such as Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Armani. The hotel is entirely non-smoking
Rooms: All individually designed with that 'shabby chic' comfort that the French do so well. Double rooms start from 170€, with that sort of saving you can eat at L'Atelier (rue du Bac) twice. Full marble bathrooms, air-conditioning and Wifi. What more could you ask for?
8 rue de Verneuil 75007 t: 33 (0)1 42 60 82 14
Hotel Amour
— This is a quirky hotel, most of the rooms are painted in striking colours or black and grey. The hotel will not suit those looking for a traditional Parisian experience of period furniture and chintz. Located near the red light district of Paris, Pigalle, this might not appeal to all. It has a loyal following and it is one of the 'fun'stays; lots of young guests. If you're looking for something different, rates are excellent and they often run very good promotions.
Tariff: from €90-€150; Suite: €250. Dinner Yes: Three-course dinner without wine: around €28.
9 rue de Navarin t: 33 (0)1 48 78 31 80
House or Hotel? Arvor Saint Georges 3 stars either way
— Thirty brightly decorated rooms in a large house near Montmarte. Great rooftops views
Rooms: Recently renovated to a high standard, think lots of white and bright colours with a retro-contemporary feel. All modern cons, wifi etc. Open plan sitting and dining area and inviting white sofas to catch up on the latest news. Rooms from €95-180.
Area: the 9th - Quartier Saint-Georges close by to Moulin Rouge,
www.arvor-hotel-paris.com
8 rue Laferrière 75009 t : 33 (0)1 48 78 60 92
A little Parisian secret - the Beuve - 3 stars
— Hotel: Down a small historical alleyway in the 6th the hotel has a very 'homey' feel with large sofas, cosy cushion and coffee tables scattered with magazines for an afternoon read.
Room: Double starting from €145 you don't expect the high standard of design by Englishman, David Hicks. In winter there's a fireplace, air-con in Summer. All 22 rooms are individually designed with warm neutral tones. I've heard great reports about the service from repeat customers. There's a little 'English' feel about this hotel but the art and ambiance is distinctly Parisian!
Area: Walking distance to Luxembourg Gardens and all the shopping in St. Germain.
9 rue Sainte-Beuve 75006 t: 33 (0)1 45 48 20 07
Hôtel Odéon Saint-Germain
— The Hotel: Close by to Montparnasse (TGV) and shopping in the rue du Rennes, this is a lovely hotel with 3 stars. Modern facilities with charming eclectic tastes, zebra stripped chairs, blend with Asian influences. A reception for lingering and relaxing. The superior certainly affords a little more space. All rooms with internet, minibar, hairdryer and adaptors, complimentary.
Rooms: Very stylish, lot of old world charm and exposed beams, Tafetta curtains. Don't forget this street has some great warehouse stores see our SHOP page.
Tip: Bring a small suitcase for your stay and buy another before you leave, then you won't notice how small the rooms are! From €180
www.hotelparisodeonsaintgermain.com
13 rue Saint Sulpice 75006